• TJ Morris/flickr.com
  
  London is one of the world's oldest cities, and one of the most exciting to explore with children. Some of the best sightseeing, museums, parks and neighborhood walks are to be found in London. Big Ben, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace are no brainers. This article will help you go beyond the obvious.
  
  

Best of the Best

• **Maurice**/flickr.com
  
  The London Eye: The tallest observation attraction in the world is a giant ferris wheel with contained cars ideal for kids of all ages. This 30 minute slow rotation will give the best view of the River Thames and Greater London. Kids under 4 ride free.
  
  The Tower of London: This castle like fortress will enthrall young and old alike. Younger children will love the fairy tale like feel and the colorful guards, while older kids will be fascinated by the Tower's dark and mysterious history. Kids under 5 get in free.
  
  

Action and Adventure

• Jim Linwood/flikr.com
  
  Thames RIB Experience: Jump in the high-powered speed boats and take a tour of the venerable Thames unlike any other. The kids will yell and scream and maybe even remember some of the fun history they learn.
  
  Hyde Park Riding Stables: Next to one of London's largest green areas, the Hyde Park riding stables offers lessons and mounts for anyone ages 5 or older. Like many attractions it is always wise to book in advance, especially on weekends.
  
  

Green Areas

• Regent's College London/flickr.com
  
  Regent's Park: Designed by master architect John Nash, Regent's Park borders on some of the best markets in London. It also is host to the London Zoo, the oldest zoo in the world and a place the kids will love.
  
  Hampton Court Plaza: Henry the VIII commissioned this magnificent palace, with its endless gardens, botanical mazes and gorgeous views. Kids may not understand the history, but they will love wandering lawns so huge they'll be thankful they don't have to mow it.
  
  

Rainy Day London

• Liam Daly/flickr.com
  
  SEA LIFE London Aquarium: The kids will love London's new aquarium. Journey through the Ocean Tunnel, where sea turtles, octopus and zebra sharks swim overhead. See many wonders of the oceans in a beautiful and educational environment.
  
  Kid's Cookery School: Give the kids a place to create their own concoctions that are both healthy and tasty. Both parents and children can experiment, learn and create, leading to a lifetime of healthy eating habits.
  
  

Shopping for Kids

• androfire/flickr.com
  
  Harrod's: This department store is the closest thing to Santa City any child will ever see in the real world. Toys, sweets, playthings dreamed of only in moments of ultimate bliss, Harrod's remains the undisputed king of department stores.
  
  Hamley's: If toys are your little one's thing, then Hamley's of London Limited on Regent's Street is the place to go. With 20,000 items to browse, there is guaranteed to be something to excite any child.